Geschiedenis en Traditie van de Glorie van Bandoengsche Melk Centrale in Vervlogen Tijden.
The narrative of dairy farming in Indonesia unfurls with a captivating historical allure, tracing back to the enigmatic arrival of dairy cows in the 17th century, potentially orchestrated by the VOC to meet milk demands. Under Dutch guidance, dairy cow cultivation flourished on VOC-owned farms, extending to remote locales like Cianjur, where pure milk gained acclaim. Formal dairy farming in the Dutch East Indies commenced under Controlleur van Andel's stewardship, introducing imported breeds from the Netherlands and Australia, shaping iconic strains like the Grati in Pasuruan.
A transformative moment occurred in 1914 with a pivotal contract between Louis Hirschland and van Zijl, owners of Generaal de Wet Hoeve Dairy Farm, marking the onset of genetic enhancement through purebred Friesian Holstein bulls. Despite mismanagement setbacks, indigenous-owned dairy enterprises persisted, defying stringent hygiene regulations, fostering an indigenous dairy renaissance. The lush Priangan region emerged as the dairy epicenter, with Boer settlers driving growth, exemplified by modernization efforts at Lembangsche Melkerij Ursone by 1931.
Priangan showcased two dairy models: entrepreneur-owned and communal ventures. The latter, epitomized by GABPSIP, founded by Pangalengan farmers in 1949, sustained dairy livelihoods, solidifying Bandung's status as Indonesia's dairy heartland. In essence, Bandung's dairy odyssey, blending colonial heritage and native resilience, resonates through Java's verdant landscapes, leaving an enduring mark on Indonesia's dairy tapestry.
The Establishment of BMC: Strengthening Milk Storage Infrastructure for the Growth of the Dairy Industry in Bandung.
The surge in milk production from dairy farms in the Bandung area has presented a dual challenge for both dairy farmers and milk entrepreneurs. The perishable nature of milk, susceptible to bacterial spoilage, underscores the urgent need for adequate preservation facilities. This necessity sparked the concept of establishing a Milk Processing Center, or "Melk Centrale," initiated through collaborative efforts between dairy farmers and milk entrepreneurs. Initially met with a spectrum of reactions, protracted deliberations ensued, eventually culminating in a consensus on the imperative of such a facility to preserve surplus milk effectively.
The establishment of the Bandung Milk Central, or BMC, in the late 1920s represented a significant milestone in dairy processing. Strategically positioned on Kebon Sirihweg No. 58 (now Jalan Aceh No. 3), BMC served as a pivotal hub for transporting milk from farms to consumers across Bandung. Completed in 1929, the BMC building boasted Art Deco architecture and housed state-of-the-art processing facilities along with a retail milk shop. The provision of land for BMC by Louis Hirschland and Van Zijl, owners of the Generaal de Wet Hoeve Dairy Farm in Cisarua, underscored their pivotal role in BMC's establishment.
Despite its completion in 1929, the formalization of the land deed for BMC occurred in 1932. Operated by Dutch personnel, BMC employed local workers for processing operations, ensuring adherence to cleanliness and hygiene standards under the supervision of health authorities. Regular inspections were conducted to uphold sanitation protocols and product quality, reflecting a steadfast commitment to excellence in dairy processing.